Multi-port optical connection terminal

ABSTRACT

An optical device includes at least one optical fiber cable receiving area for receiving at least one optical fiber cable, the receiving area being sized to receive a covering for covering at least a portion of the transition area, and at least one optical fiber cable transition portion disposed at the receiving area, the optical fiber cable transition portion being responsive to and supporting the covering when pressure from the covering is applied to the transition area and the covering and said transition area together form a buffer zone associated with at least a portion of the cable receiving area. Methods include providing a multi-port optical connection terminal having a stub cable port; connecting a stub cable assembly including a stub cable to the stub cable port; and forming a sloped buffer zone between the stub cable port and the stub cable to relieve stress in the stub cable.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of broadbandapplications including voice, video and data transmissions. As a resultof the ever-increasing demand for broadband communications, fiber opticnetworks typically include a large number of mid-span access locationsat which one or more optical fibers are branched from a distributioncable. These mid-span access locations provide a branch point from thedistribution cable leading to an end user, commonly referred to as asubscriber, and thus, may be used to extend an “all optical”communications network closer to the subscriber. In this regard, fiberoptic networks are being developed that deliver “fiber-to-the-premises”(FTTP). Due to the geographical spacing between the service provider andthe various subscribers served by each mid-span access location, opticalconnection terminals, such as closures, network terminals, pedestals,and the like, are needed for interconnecting optical fibers of dropcables extending from the subscribers with optical fibers of thedistribution cable extending from the service provider to establish theoptical connections necessary to complete the FTTP communicationsnetwork.

In one example of a fiber optic communications network, one or more dropcables are interconnected with a distribution cable at a mid-span accesslocation within an aerial splice closure suspended from the distributioncable. Substantial expertise and experience are required to configurethe optical connections within the closure in the field. In particular,it is often difficult to enter the closure and to identify an opticalfiber of the distribution cable to be interconnected with an opticalfiber of a particular drop cable. Once identified, the optical fibers ofthe drop cables are typically joined directly to the optical fibers ofthe distribution cable at the mid-span access location usingconventional splicing techniques, such as fusion splicing. In otherinstances, the optical fibers of the drop cables and the optical fibersof the distribution cable are first spliced to a short length of opticalfiber having an optical connector mounted upon the other end, referredto in the art as a “pigtail.” The pigtails are then routed to oppositesides of a connector adapter sleeve to interconnect the drop cable withthe distribution cable. In either case, the process of entering andconfiguring the aerial splice closure is not only time consuming, butfrequently must be accomplished by a highly skilled field technician atsignificant cost and under field working conditions that are less thanideal. Reconfiguring optical fiber connections in an aerial spliceclosure is especially difficult, particularly in instances where atleast some of the optical fibers of the distribution cable extenduninterrupted through the closure, commonly referred to as a“taut-sheath” or “express” application, since the closure cannot bereadily removed from the distribution cable. Further, once the opticalconnections are made, it is often labor intensive, and therefore costly,to reconfigure the existing optical connections or to add additionaloptical connections.

In order to reduce costs by permitting less experienced and less skilledtechnicians to perform mid-span access optical connections andreconfigurations in the field, communications service providers areincreasingly pre-engineering new fiber optic networks and demandingfactory-prepared interconnection solutions, commonly referred to as“plug-and-play” type systems. Pre-engineered networks, however, requirethat the location of certain of the branch points in the network bepredetermined prior to the distribution cable being deployed. Moreparticularly, pre-engineered solutions require precise location of thefactory-prepared mid-span access locations where the preterminated, andsometimes pre-connectorized, optical fibers are made available forinterconnection with optical fibers of drop cables extending from thesubscriber premises. However, even with arduous pre-engineering it islikely that a factory-prepared mid-span access location will not bepositioned exactly as intended when the distribution cable is deployed.For example, when the distribution cable is strung between telephonepoles in an aerial deployment, the mid-span access location may actuallybe positioned farther from the intended location, such as adjacent atelephone pole, than is acceptable for a particular installation.Similarly, when the distribution cable is laid in a buried deployment,the mid-span access location may actually be located someplace otherthan the intended location, such as at a hand-hole, vault, below-gradeclosure, network terminal or pedestal. As a result, it may beinconvenient, hazardous or even impossible to make the necessaryinterconnections between the preterminated or pre-connectorized opticalfibers of the distribution cable and the optical fibers of the dropcables at the actual mid-span access location.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a multi-port opticalconnection terminal for interconnecting one or more drop cables with afiber optic distribution cable at a predetermined branch point in apre-engineered fiber optic network between a mid-span access location onthe distribution cable and a subscriber premises. It would also bedesirable to provide a multi-port optical connection terminal that canreadily interconnect an optical fiber of at least one pre-connectorizedfiber optic drop cable with a respective preterminated orpre-connectorized optical fiber of a fiber optic distribution cable in apre-engineered fiber optic network. It would also be desirable toprovide a multi-port optical connection terminal for installation at apredetermined branch point in a pre-engineered fiber optic network thatcan be readily reconfigured in the field by a relatively unskilledtechnician.

Another problem inherent in a fiber optic communications network,especially one in which the drop cables extending from the subscriberpremises are buried underground, is the large amount of space requiredwithin a standard interconnection enclosure to accomplish bothconventional splicing and interconnecting functions. For reasons of bothreduced cost and aesthetics, it is desirable to position theinterconnection enclosure that interconnects the optical fibers of thedrop cables with the optical fibers of the distribution cable within ahand-hole, vault, network terminal or pedestal having the smallestpossible volume. At the same time, it is also desirable to limit thenumber of mid-span access locations required on the distribution cable.Reducing the number of splices and connections performed at eachmid-span access location necessarily increases the number of mid-spanaccess locations that must be provided on the distribution cable.Conversely, increasing the number of splices and connections performedat each mid-span access location necessarily increases the requiredvolume of the interconnection enclosure at each mid-span access locationand the overall length of the drop cables.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a multi-port opticalconnection terminal for receiving one or more drop cables andinterconnecting the drop cables with a fiber optic distribution cable ina fiber optic network that can be positioned within a hand-hole, vault,network terminal or pedestal having the smallest possible volume. Itwould also be desirable to provide a multi-port optical connectionterminal that can readily interconnect an optical fiber of at least onepre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable with a respective optical fiberof a fiber optic distribution cable in a fiber optic network within ahand-hole, vault, network terminal or pedestal having the smallestpossible volume. It would also be desirable to provide such a multi-portoptical connection terminal for installation in a fiber optic networkbetween a mid-span access location and a subscriber premises that can bereadily reconfigured in the filed by a relatively unskilled fieldtechnician. Accordingly, it would be further desirable to provide suchmulti-port optical connection terminals with stress reducing zones wherecables enter and exit multi-port optical connection terminal cable portsin order to reduce stress between the cables and the cable ports toprevent breakage and exposure of the cables.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a factorymanufactured and assembled multi-port optical connection terminal forreadily interconnecting optical fibers of one or more pre-connectorizedfiber optic drop cables with respective optical fibers of a fiber opticdistribution cable at a branch point in a fiber optic communicationsnetwork. In various embodiments, the multi-port optical connectionterminal is configured to receive one or more pre-connectorized dropcables extending from an outside plant connection terminal, such as anaerial closure, a below-grade closure, an above ground closure, anetwork terminal, a pedestal or a Network Interface Device (NID), topermit a relatively unskilled field technician to readily connect,disconnect or reconfigure optical fibers of the drop cables withrespective optical fibers of a distribution cable. In particularembodiments, the multi-port optical connection terminal is configured toreceive one or more drop cables extending from a NID located at asubscriber premises to permit a relatively unskilled field technician toreadily connect, disconnect or reconfigure optical fibers of the dropcables with optical fibers of a distribution cable at a branch point ina fiber optic network that is located distant from a mid-span accesslocation provided on the distribution cable.

In one embodiment, a multi-port optical connection terminal includes atleast one optical fiber cable receiving area for receiving at least oneoptical fiber cable, the receiving area being sized to receive acovering for covering and defining a transition area; and at least oneoptical fiber cable transition portion disposed at the receiving area,the optical fiber cable transition portion being responsive to andsupporting the covering when pressure from the covering is applied, thecovering and the optical fiber cable transition portion forming astrain-relief buffer zone associated with at least a portion of thetransition area. In this aspect, the fiber cable transition portion mayinclude a plurality of fingers being configured for compression about aportion of the optical fiber cable in the transition area to form thestrain-relief buffer zone, which may be cone-shaped in cross-section.Also in this embodiment, the covering may be a halogen-free material, achemical resistant material, a UV-resistant material, a cross-linkedpolyolefin, a lead-free material, a cadmium-free material, a materialhaving an operating temperature range of between about −40° C. to about+120° C., a material having a flexibility to about −40° C., a materialhaving a high tensile strength of at least about 13 MPa, afungus-resistant material, a decay resistant material and combinationsof these and other advantageous characteristics.

In another embodiment, a multi-port optical connection terminal forinterconnecting one or more fiber optic drop cables with a fiber opticdistribution cable may include a base and a cover attached to the base,the base and cover each having opposed first and second end walls, thebase further comprising a base panel opposite the cover and the coverfurther comprising a cover panel opposite the base to define an interiorcavity; a first stub cable port provided in one of the base and thecover through one of the first and second end walls; at least oneoptical fiber cable transition portion disposed proximate the first stubcable port; a covering, the optical fiber cable transition portion beingconfigured to receive the covering for covering and defining atransition area proximate the first stub cable portion; a first stubcable comprising a first end received in the cable port through theoptical fiber cable transition portion and a second end configured forattachment to the distribution cable, the optical fiber cable transitionportion being responsive to and supporting the covering when pressurefrom the covering is applied, the covering and the optical fiber cabletransition portion forming a buffer zone associated with at least aportion of the transition area.

In this embodiment, the optical fiber cable transition portion mayinclude a compressible area being configured for compression about aportion of the first stub cable to form the buffer zone.

In a further embodiment, a method of interconnecting one or more fiberoptic drop cables with a fiber optic distribution cable at a multi-portoptical connection terminal may include providing a multi-port opticalconnection terminal having a stub cable port; connecting a stub cableassembly including a stub cable to the stub cable port; and forming abuffer zone between the stub cable port and the stub cable to strainrelieve the stub cable. In this embodiment, the stub cable assembly mayinclude a compressible area and may further include compressing thecompressible area about a portion of the stub cable to form the bufferzone. The buffer zone may be cone-shaped in cross-section, the bufferzone angling away from about the portion of the stub cable in adirection of the stub cable port.

Also in this embodiment, a material may be heat shrunk about a portionof the stub cable to form the buffer zone. The material may be ahalogen-free material, a chemical resistant material, a UV-resistantmaterial, a material having a high-tensile strength of at least about 13MPa, a cross-linked polyolefin, a lead-free material, a cadmium-freematerial, a material having an operating temperature range of betweenabout −40° C. to about +120° C., a material having a flexibility toabout −40° C., a fungus-resistant material, a decay resistant materialand combinations of these and other characteristics.

In the foregoing and other embodiments described herein, a buffer orstress reduction zone is provided to avoid abrupt transitions and sharpedges between cable ports and their cables to reduce stress and preventbreakage thereby preventing exposure of internal components of themulti-port optical connection terminal to external environmentaleffects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentdisclosure may be better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a portion of a fiber optic communicationsnetwork constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure including a distribution cable having a mid-spanaccess location, a multi-port optical connection terminal having a stubcable extending therefrom that is connected to the distribution cable atthe mid-span access location, and at least one drop cable extending fromthe multi-port terminal to another location in the network, such as asubscriber premises;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a multi-port optical connectionterminal including a plurality of connector ports, a stub cable port anda stub cable assembly constructed in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the multi-port optical connectionterminal of FIG. 2 shown in the opened configuration;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the stub cableassembly of the multi-port optical connection terminal of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a multi-port optical connectionterminal including a plurality of connector ports, a stub cable port anda stub cable assembly constructed in accordance with another exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the multi-port optical connectionterminal of FIG. 5 shown in the opened configuration;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a multi-port optical connectionterminal including a plurality of connector ports and a stub cable portextending through one end of a base of the multi-port terminalconstructed in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a multi-port optical connectionterminal including a plurality of connector ports and a stub cable portextending through each end of a base of the multi-port terminalconstructed in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a multi-port optical connectionterminal including a plurality of connector ports and a stub cable portextending through one end of a cover of the multi-port terminalconstructed in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the multi-port optical connectionterminal of FIG. 9 shown with the stub cable port extending through theother end of the cover of the multi-port terminal constructed inaccordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the multi-port optical connectionterminal of FIG. 9 shown with a stub cable port extending through bothends of the cover of the multi-port terminal constructed in accordancewith yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a multi-port optical connectionterminal including a plurality of connector ports, a stub cable port anda universal mounting bracket constructed in accordance with yet anotherexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a multi-port optical connectionterminal particularly showing a stub cable port and a transition zoneconstructed in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the multi-port optical connectionterminal particularly showing a heat shrink placed about the stub cableport as in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the multi-port optical connectionterminal showing the heat shrink installed about the stub cable port asin FIG. 14; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the multi-port optical connectionterminal particularly showing fingers of the stub cable port forming thetransition zone without the heat shrink for clarity as in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments ofthe disclosure are shown. However, aspects of this disclosure may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein. These exemplary embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete, andwill fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in theart. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout thevarious drawings.

The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a multi-portoptical connection terminal comprising a plurality of connector portsthat receive optical connectors for interconnecting one or morepre-connectorized fiber optic drop cables to a distribution cable at abranch point in a fiber optic communications network. The variousembodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in an optical“fiber-to-the-premises” (FTTP) network. As used herein and well knownand understood in the art, the term “drop cable” is intended to includea fiber optic cable comprising a cable sheath or jacket surrounding atleast one flexible transport tube containing one or more optical fibers.As used herein, the term “distribution cable” is intended to includeboth a main feeder cable, a distribution cable and a branch cable, andmay be any type of fiber optic cable having a fiber count greater thanthat of the drop cable. In one example, the distribution cable maycomprise at least one, and preferably, a plurality of flexible buffertubes, such as an ALTOS.RTM. dielectric cable available from CorningCable Systems LLC of Hickory, N.C. As used herein, the term “opticalfiber” is intended to include all types of single mode and multi-modelight waveguides, including one or more bare optical fibers, loose-tubeoptical fibers, tight-buffered optical fibers, ribbonized optical fibersor any other expedient of a medium for transmitting light signals. Thepre-connectorized drop cables may be readily connected to anddisconnected from the connector ports of the multi-port opticalconnection terminal, thus eliminating the need for entering themulti-port terminal and splicing the optical fibers of the drop cablesto optical fibers of a stub cable, as will be described.

At the other end, the fiber optic drop cables may be optically connectedto optical fibers of the communications network within a conventionaloutside plant closure, such as a local convergence cabinet (LCC), apedestal, a network access point (NAP) closure, or a network interfacedevice (NID) of the types available from Corning Cable Systems LLC ofHickory, N.C. In the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein,the fiber optic drop cables extend from a NID located at a subscriberpremises and are optically connected through the connector ports of themulti-port optical connection terminal to optical fibers of a stub cableat a branch point in the network. In turn, the optical fibers of thestub cable are optically connected to respective optical fibers of thecommunications network at a mid-span access location provided on adistribution cable. The mid-span access location may be provided at anaerial closure, a buried closure (also referred to as a below gradeclosure) or an above ground telecommunications cabinet, terminal orpedestal. Likewise, the multi-port optical connection terminal may beprovided at an aerial location, such as mounted to an aerial strandbetween telephone poles or mounted on a telephone pole, at a buriedlocation, such as within a hand-hole or below grade vault, or at anabove-ground location, such as within a cabinet, terminal, pedestal orabove grade vault. In serving the foregoing function, a multi-portoptical connection terminal constructed in accordance with the presentdisclosure facilitates the deployment of a FTTP communications network.

In facilitating the deployment of a fiber optic network, and inparticular a FTTP communications network, the present disclosurefunctions to permit a communications service provider to factorymanufacture and assemble the multi-port optical connection terminal forconnection to the optical network at factory-prepared or field-preparedmid-span access locations along the length of the distribution cable.The multi-port optical connection terminal provides an accessibleinterconnection terminal for readily connecting, disconnecting orreconfiguring drop cables in the optical network, and in particular, forinterconnecting drop cables with a distribution cable. As used herein,the term “interconnecting” is intended to describe the connection of adrop cable to a distribution cable through the multi-port opticalconnection terminal. In other words, the multi-port terminal provides aquick-connect terminal for connecting drop cables to a distributioncable of an optical communications network at a location other than theactual mid-span access location provided on the distribution cable. Thestub cable of the multi-port optical connection terminal may beconnected to a fiber optic distribution cable having field-preparedmid-span access locations, or to a fiber optic distribution cable havingfactory-prepared mid-span access locations that comprise preterminatedor pre-connectorized optical fibers. Furthermore, the stub cable of themulti-port optical connection terminal may be connected to thedistribution cable at the mid-span access location by means ofconventional fusion splicing, or by means of field-installed connectorsor pre-connectorized connectors, as is known in the art. Utilizing themulti-port terminal of the present disclosure, drop cables extendingfrom a subscriber premises may be physically connected to thecommunications network at the branch point provided by the multi-portterminal as opposed to at the actual mid-span access location providedon the distribution cable. As a result, the multi-port opticalconnection terminal may be positioned at a more convenient location, orwithin a hand-hole, vault or pedestal having a smaller volume and theoverall length of the drop cables may be substantially reduced. Further,a field technician may readily connect, disconnect or reconfigure theoptical connections without the need for entering the closure at themid-span access location.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a portion of a fiber optic communicationsnetwork 10 comprising a fiber optic distribution cable 12 and at leastone multi-port optical connection terminal 100 constructed in accordancewith the present disclosure is shown. At least one (as shown), andpreferably, a plurality of mid-span access locations are provided alongthe length of the distribution cable 12. The mid-span access locationsmay be factory-prepared with preterminated or pre-connectorized opticalfibers at predetermined branch points on a distribution cable for apre-engineered fiber optic communications network. Alternatively, themid-span access locations may be field-prepared at branch points formedon a previously deployed distribution cable. Regardless, the mid-spanaccess location must be enclosed and protected from exposure to theenvironment by a conventional closure 14. As shown and described herein,the distribution cable 12 is factory-prepared with at least one mid-spanaccess location for providing access to at least one preterminatedoptical fiber 18 at a predetermined branch point in a fiber opticcommunications network 10. In a preferred embodiment, the fiber opticcommunications network 10 comprises a fiber optic distribution cable 12having a plurality of mid-span access locations at branch points spacedalong the length of the distribution cable, each providing access to atleast one, and preferably, a plurality of optical fibers 18 of the fiberoptic network. Thus, the distribution cable 12 provides multiplelocations for joining a stub cable 24 of at least one multi-port opticalconnection terminal 100 to the distribution cable at each mid-spanaccess location, as will be described hereinafter.

In the exemplary fiber optic network 10 illustrated herein,preterminated optical fibers 18 of the distribution cable 12 provided atthe mid-span access location are routed out of the distribution cablevia an optical fiber transition element 20 and into corresponding hollowprotective tubes 22. The optical fiber transition element 20 maycomprise any structure that permits the preterminated optical fibers 18to transition from the distribution cable 12 without excessive stress,strain or bending, and forms no part of the present disclosure. Theprotective tubes 22 containing optical fibers 18 are routed into one ormore splice trays 15 and the ends of the optical fibers 18 are splicedto respective optical fibers of a stub cable 24 extending from amulti-port optical connection terminal 100. The manner in which theprotective tubes 22 are routed to the splice trays 15 and the manner inwhich the optical fibers 18 are spliced to the optical fibers of thestub cable 24 are well known and form no part of the present disclosure.Furthermore, the preterminated optical fibers 18 and/or the opticalfibers of the stub cable 24 may be pre-connectorized in the factory, ormay be connectorized in the field (for example mechanically spliced tofield-installable connectors or dressed and fusion spliced to pigtails),and the splice trays 15 replaced with conventional connector adaptersleeves. Alternatively, the optical fibers 18 may be accessed in thefield at a mid-span access location, dressed, and spliced orconnectorized in any manner and optically connected to respectiveoptical fibers of the stub cable 24. Regardless, the optical fibers ofthe stub cable 24 enter the closure 14 through a suitable cable port 26provided through an exterior wall, for example an end wall, of theclosure 14. The stub cable 24 includes at least one, and preferably aplurality of optical fibers disposed within a protective cable sheath.As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the stubcable 24 may be any known fiber optic cable comprising at least oneoptical fiber and having a fiber count equal to or greater than that ofa drop cable 16 to be connected to the multi-port optical connectionterminal 100 and equal to or less than that of the distribution cable12. The stub cable 24 may comprise a tubular body, such as, but notlimited to, a buffer tube, a monotube or a tube formed from awater-swellable tape. In preferred embodiments, the stub cable 24 isflexible, easy to route and has no preferential bend.

The stub cable 24 extends from the closure 14 into the multi-portoptical connection terminal 100 through a stub cable port 118 providedthrough an exterior wall of the multi-port terminal. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, the optical fibers of the stub cable24 within the multi-port optical connection terminal 100 arepre-connectorized and the optical connectors are inserted into aconventional adapter sleeve seated in a respective one of the connectorports 124 provided through an exterior wall of the multi-port terminal.At least one, and preferably, more than one pre-connectorized drop cable16 is thereafter interconnected with a respective connectorized opticalfiber of the stub cable 24 by inserting the pre-connectorized end of thedrop cable into the adapter sleeve seated in the connector port 124 fromthe exterior of the multi-port optical connection terminal 100. The stubcable port 118 of the multi-port optical connection terminal 100sealingly receives the stub cable 24 and the plurality of connectorports 124 are operable for receiving the pre-connectorized opticalfibers of the stub cable 24 and the connectorized ends of the dropcables 16. The drop cables 16 comprise at least one single mode ormultimode optical fiber of any type optically connected to a singlefiber or multi-fiber optical connector in a conventional manner. Theother ends of the drop cables 16 are optically connected to respectiveoptical fibers of the communications network within a conventionaloutside plant connection terminal 28, such as an outside plant networkaccess point (NAP) closure, local convergence cabinet (LCC), terminal,pedestal or network interface device (NID) of the types available fromCorning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, N.C. In the example illustrated inFIG. 1 by solid lines, the stub cable 24 extends from the closure 14 toa multi-port optical connection terminal 100 positioned at a distancefrom the mid-span access location, such as a telephone pole, hand-hole,vault or pedestal (not shown) in the fiber optic network 10. Each dropcable 16 extends from the multi-port optical connection terminal 100 toa NID 28 located at a subscriber premises. In the example illustrated inFIG. 1 by dashed lines, a plurality of stub cables 24 extend from theclosure 14 to a corresponding plurality of multi-port optical connectionterminals 100 positioned at a distance from the mid-span accesslocation. In turn, each multi-port terminal 100 is positioned within arespective outside plant connection terminal, such as a hand-hole, vaultor pedestal (not shown) in the fiber optic network 10. As a result, eachdrop cable 16 may then be routed a shorter distance from the respectiveoutside plant connection terminal to a subscriber NID 28 than from themid-span access location to the subscriber NID. As will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art, the multi-port optical connection terminal100 provides convenient connection points in a fiber opticcommunications network for a relatively unskilled field technician toconnect, disconnect and reconfigure optical connections between dropcables 16 and the distribution cable 12. For example, the fieldtechnician may readily reconfigure the existing drop cable 16 connectionwith the multi-port optical connection terminal 100, or may connectadditional drop cables without disturbing the previously configured dropcables.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 4, a multi-port optical connection terminal 100constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosureis shown. The multi-port optical connection terminal 100 permits one ormore pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cables 16 to be readilyinterconnected with optical fibers of distribution cable 12 at amid-span access location provided along the length of the distributioncable 12. Further, the multi-port optical connection terminal 100provides a convenient connection point for a field technician toinitially install and subsequently reconfigure the optical connectionsbetween the various drop cables 16 and the connector ports 124 providedon the multi-port terminal 100. Still further, the multi-port opticalconnection terminal 100 may be installed in an aerial location, buried,or disposed above ground in a larger enclosure, such as cabinet, networkterminal or pedestal, as described above. For purposes of example only,and not by way of limitation, the multi-port optical connection terminal100 shown in FIGS. 2 4 will hereinafter be described as an aerialterminal mounted to a telephone pole, tower, building or otherstructure. As such, the multi-port optical connection terminal 100 willbe provided with mounting clips, fasteners, brackets or straps forsecuring the multi-port terminal 100 to the telephone pole, tower,building or other structure in a known manner.

The multi-port optical connection terminal 100 shown in FIGS. 2 4comprises a body or base 102 and a cover 104, each preferably formed ofa lightweight and rigid material, such as aluminum sheet metal. The base102 comprises opposed end walls 106, 108, sidewalls 110, 112, and agenerally planar base panel 114. Further, the base 102 is generallybox-shaped and defines an interior cavity 116 for housing fiber optichardware, such as adapters, optical fiber routing guides, fiber hubs andthe like. The base 102 may have any of a variety of shapes that aresuitable for housing fiber optic hardware and for routing and connectingoptical fibers of the stub cable 24 with respective optical fibers ofone or more drop cables 16 (FIG. 1) to ultimately interconnect theoptical fibers of the drop cables with respective optical fibers of thedistribution cable 12 (FIG. 1). However, by way of example only, thebase 102 of the embodiment illustrated herein is generally rectangularand is elongated in the lengthwise dimension relative to the widthwisedirection between the opposed end walls 106, 108.

A stub cable port 118 is disposed medially, and as shown approximatelycentrally, through one of the opposed end walls 106, 108 of the base 102and operable for receiving a stub cable assembly 120 comprising the stubcable 24. As best shown in FIG. 4, the stub cable assembly 120 generallycomprises a main body 126 having first and second opposed ends 128, 130,respectively, and defining a bore extending lengthwise therebetween, amain body receptacle 132, and a sealing member (not shown), such as aconventional cable boot. The main body 126 generally comprises a backalignment member 136, a central cable enclosure 138 and a threaded entrynut 140, all of which are inserted over the sheath or jacket of the stubcable 24 prior to assembly of the stub cable assembly 120 to themulti-port optical connection terminal 100. O-Rings or other annulargaskets (not shown) are suitably provided for providing a sealingengagement with the stub cable 24 and/or the multi-port opticalconnection terminal 100. The main body 126 of the stub cable assembly120 is adapted to receive one end of the stub cable 24 containing atleast one optical fiber. The first end 128 of the main body 126 isadapted to be sealingly mounted within the main body receptacle 132 atthe stub cable port 118. For example, and without limitation, a portionof the stub cable port 118 may be internally threaded such that theexternally threaded portion of the main body receptacle 132 can bethreadably engaged with the end wall 106 of the base 102. In order toproperly seat the main body receptacle 132, a first end of the main bodyreceptacle 132 that remains outside the base 102 preferably includes aflange 146 that extends radially outward. Thus, the main body receptacle132 can be inserted through the stub cable port 118 until the flange 146abuts the exterior surface of the end wall 106 of the base 102. In orderto further secure the main body receptacle 132 within the stub cableport 118, a coupling nut 148 is preferably provided for threadablyengaging and thereby securing the main body receptacle 132 onto the base102.

In order to seal the stub cable assembly 120 within the stub cable port118, the main body receptacle 132 is also provided with a sealing member150, such as a conventional O-ring or other annular gasket, that isdisposed between the flange 146 of the main body receptacle 132 and theend wall 106 of the base 102. As shown in FIG. 4, a second sealingmember 152, such as an O-ring, or a washer made of a rigid material suchas composite or metal, may be positioned on the externally threadedportion of the main body receptacle 132 between the end wall 106 and thecoupling nut 148 for providing a tight seal when the stub cable assembly120 is mounted onto the base 102. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the stubcable assembly 120 is inserted through the stub cable port 118 of themulti-port optical connection terminal 100 such that thepre-connectorized optical fibers of the stub cable 24 may be routedwithin the interior cavity 116 of the multi-port terminal 100 to theconnector adapter sleeves positioned within the connector ports 124provided on the multi-port terminal 100.

The cover 104 is adapted to be attached to the base 102 such that themulti-port optical connection terminal 100 is re-enterable if necessaryto reconfigure the pre-connectorized optical fibers of the stub cable 24relative to the connector ports 124. As shown, the cover 104 isgenerally rectangular and of a size slightly larger than the base 102 sothat the peripheral sides of the cover 104 overlap the correspondingedges of the base 102. The cover 104 is removably affixed to the base102 to provide ready access to the interior cavity 116, particularly inthe field. Specifically, the base 102 and cover 104 are preferablyprovided with a fastening mechanism 154 such as, but not limited to,clasps, fasteners, threaded bolts or screws and inserts, or otherconventional means for securing the cover 104 to the base 102 in theclosed configuration. However, the cover 104 may be slidably attached tothe base 102 to selectively expose portions of the interior cavity 116of the base 102. Alternatively, the cover 104 may be hingedly attachedto the base 102 at one or more hinge locations (not shown) to allow thecover 104 and base 102 to remain secured to one another in the openedconfiguration. A gasket 156 may be disposed between a peripheral flangeprovided on the base 102 and the interior of the cover 104. As shown,the gasket 156 is generally rectangular and of a size corresponding tothat of the base 102 and the cover 104.

Disposed through the base panel 114 of the base 102 of the multi-portoptical connection terminal 100 is at least one, and preferably, aplurality of connector ports 124 operable for receiving adapters 122each retaining a connector adapter sleeve (not shown) operable forbringing mating optical fiber connectors into contact with one another.Throughout the specification, it will be understood that the connectorports 124 are configured such that the fiber optic connectors of thedrop cables 16 may be readily connected thereto and disconnectedtherefrom. Further, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat the fiber optic connectors may include, but are not limited to,commercially available connector types such as SC, LC, FC, ST, SC/DC,MT-RJ, MTP and MPO. Whether or not the optical fibers of the drop cables16 are single fibers, multiple fibers or fiber ribbons does not limitthe present disclosure, however, in various embodiments, one or moreMT-RJ, MTP or MPO ferrules may be used when the stub cable 24 comprisesone or more fiber ribbons. In the exemplary embodiments shown anddescribed herein, only single fibers and single fiber connector typesare illustrated. Furthermore, the connector ports 124 may be arranged ina variety of patterns, including, but without limitation, in a singlerow, in two or more rows side-by-side or staggered, or in a randomfashion. Furthermore, any number of connector ports 124 may be providedon the multi-port optical connection terminal 100. Preferably, eachmulti-port optical connection terminal 100 is provided with anywherefrom 112 connector ports 124, and more preferably, the multi-portterminal 100 is provided with 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 connector ports 124.Each connector port 124 is preferably provided with a tethered dust cap158 (FIG. 2) that threadably engages the adapter 22 on the exterior ofthe base panel 114 of the multi-port optical connection terminal 100 tothereby seal an unused connector port 124 against environmental hazardsand to protect a connectorized optical fiber of the stub cable 24 seatedtherein when a drop cable 16 is not connected to the connector port 124.

The provision of the connector ports 124 and the use ofpre-connectorized drop cables 16 avoids the time and cost associatedwith splicing optical fibers of the stub cable 24 to respective opticalfibers of drop cables 16 each time a field technician interconnects asubscriber premises with the fiber optic communications network 10. Withthe connector ports 124 located on the base panel 114 of the base 102,they are readily accessible to a field technician when initiallyinstalling the multi-port optical connection terminal 100 at a branchpoint in the fiber optic network 10 distant from a mid-span accesslocation on the distribution cable 12 or when subsequently reconfiguringany of the optical connections between the drop cables 16 and thedistribution cable 12. Alternatively, the field technician mayinterconnect optical fibers of additional drop cables 16 with respectiveoptical fibers of the stub cable 24, and hence respective optical fibersof the distribution cable 12, without disturbing any drop cable 16 thatwas previously installed.

Located within the interior cavity 116 of the multi-port opticalconnection terminal 100 and affixed to the base panel 114 of the base102 is a fiber routing and slack storage hub 160 for routing theconnectorized optical fibers of the stub cable 24 to the connector ports124 and for storing any excess length of the optical fibers. The routingand slack storage hub 160 includes an outer wall 162 that defines agenerally cylindrical surface for receiving the optical fibers thereonand is sized so as to have a radius of curvature equal to or greaterthan the minimum bend radius of the optical fibers. This is desirablesince bending the optical fibers beyond their minimum bend radius maycause irreparable damage and/or impair the transmission characteristicsof the optical fibers. Typically, the minimum bend radius of the opticalfibers is at least 1.5 inches. The hub 160 further comprises a flange164 and a plurality of spaced apart retaining tabs 166 extendingradially outward and generally perpendicular to a plane tangent to theouter wall 162 of the hub 160. Within the multi-port optical connectionterminal 100, individual optical fibers of the stub cable 24 in the formof pigtails terminate at their respective connectors. Thepre-connectorized optical fibers or pigtails are routed from the stubcable 24 within the interior cavity 116 of the multi-port opticalconnection terminal 100 around the routing and slack storage hub 160 andare then connected to an adapter 22 of a respective connector port 124.Thereafter, a field-connectorized or pre-connectorized drop cable 16 maybe connected to the adapter 22 positioned within the connector port 124from the exterior of the multi-port optical connection terminal 100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the optical fibers of the stub cable 24enter the stub cable port 118 of the multi-port optical connectionterminal 100 from a predetermined direction and the optical fibers ofthe drop cables 16 extend from the multi-port terminal 100 in adirection substantially perpendicular to the predetermined direction. Asa result, the drop cables 16 may be routed away from the multi-portoptical connection terminal 100 parallel to and in the same directionthat the stub cable 24 extends away from the multi-port terminal 100,referred to herein as a “canister” or “butt” configuration terminal.Alternatively, the drop cables 16 may be routed away from the multi-portoptical connection terminal 100 parallel to, but in the oppositedirection that the stub cable 24 extends away from the multi-portterminal 100, referred to herein as an “in-line,” “express” or “through”configuration terminal. It will be readily apparent to one skilled inthe art that the multi-port optical connection terminal 100 shown anddescribed in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3 is readily adapted to a buttconfiguration terminal or a through configuration terminal withoutdeparting from the intended spirit or scope of the disclosure.

The multi-port optical connection terminal 100 is pre-assembled in afactory and optically connected to a factory-prepared or field-preparedmid-span access location provided on a distribution cable 12. Themulti-port optical connection terminal 100 of the present disclosureoffers communication service providers the quality and reliability of afactory-prepared optical connection terminal for interconnecting theoptical fibers of one or more drop cables 16 with respective opticalfibers of a distribution cable 12 in a pre-engineered or field-installedfiber optic communications network 10. Once installed, a reducedoperating cost is achieved because a relatively unskilled fieldtechnician may readily connect, disconnect or reconfigure optical fibersof pre-connectorized drop cables 16 to respective optical fibers of thepre-connectorized stub cable 24 at a convenient location in the fiberoptic network 10. Advantageously, the optical fibers of the stub cable24 are interconnected at the time of deployment of the fiber opticnetwork 10 with respective terminated, preterminated orpre-connectorized optical fibers of a distribution cable 12 at aless-convenient factory-prepared or field-prepared mid-span accesslocation provided on the distribution cable 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, another exemplary embodiment of amulti-port optical connection terminal 100 constructed in accordancewith the present disclosure is shown. As shown in FIG. 5, thisalternative multi-port optical connection terminal 100 comprises a base200 and a cover 104 each made of a lightweight, yet rigid material, suchas plastic, thermoplastic, composite or aluminum material. The base 200has opposed end walls 202, 204, respectively, and sidewalls 206, 208,respectively. The base 200 is further provided with an upper surface210. The upper surface 210 of the base 200 is provided with a pluralityof angled or sloped surfaces 212. Each angled surface 212 has at leastone connector port 124 formed therethrough. Further, the base 200 isgenerally box-shaped and defines an interior cavity 116 for housingfiber optic hardware, such as connector ports, adapters, optical fiberrouting guides, fiber hubs and the like. The base 200 may have any of avariety of shapes that is suitable for housing fiber optic hardware andfor routing optical fibers of the stub cable 24, as described above.However, by way of example only, the base 200 of this alternativeembodiment is generally rectangular and is elongated in the lengthwisedirection relative to the widthwise direction between the opposed endwalls 202, 204.

A stub cable port 118 is disposed medially, and as shown approximatelycentrally, through the end wall 202 of the base 200 and operable forreceiving a stub cable assembly 120 comprising the stub cable 24. Thestub cable assembly 120 is inserted through the stub cable port 118 ofthe multi-port optical connection terminal 100. The end of the stubcable 24 having pre-connectorized optical fibers mounted thereon isrouted through the stub cable port 118 into the interior cavity 116 ofthe multi-port optical connection terminal 100.

The cover 104 is adapted to be attached to the base 200 such that themulti-port optical connection terminal 100 is re-enterable if necessaryto reconfigure the pre-connectorized optical fibers of the stub cable 24relative to the connector ports 124. As shown, the cover 104 isgenerally rectangular and of a size slightly larger than the base 200 sothat the peripheral sides of the cover 104 overlap the correspondingedges of the base 200. The cover 104 is removably affixed to the base200 to provide ready access to the interior cavity 116, particularly inthe field. Specifically, the base 200 and cover 104 are preferablyprovided with a fastening mechanism 154 such as, but not limited to,clasps, fasteners, threaded bolts or screws and inserts, or otherconventional means for securing the cover 104 to the base 200 in theclosed configuration. However, the cover 104 may be slidably attached tothe base 200 to selectively expose portions of the interior cavity 116of the base 200. Alternatively, the cover 104 may be hingedly attachedto the base 200 at one or more hinge locations (not shown) to allow thecover 104 and base 200 to remain secured to one another in the openedconfiguration. A gasket 156 may be disposed between a peripheral flangeprovided on the base 200 and the interior of the cover 104. As shown,the gasket 156 is generally rectangular and of a size corresponding tothat of the base 200 and the cover 104.

Disposed on the angled surfaces 212 of the upper surface of the base 200and extending therethrough is at least one, and preferably, a pluralityof connector ports 124. Located within the interior cavity 116 of themulti-port optical connection terminal 100 and affixed to the base 200is a routing and slack storage hub 160 for routing the pre-connectorizedoptical fibers of the stub cable 24 to a respective connector port 124and for storing any excess length of the optical fibers. As illustratedin FIG. 6, the stub cable 24 passes through the stub cable port 118 andenters the multi-port optical connection terminal 100 adjacent the endwall 202. A securing mechanism 220, such as for example, a fastener,clamp and nut, bracket or clasp, is provided in the interior cavity 116of the multi-port optical connection terminal 100 to secure the stubcable 24 to the cover 200. Within the multi-port optical connectionterminal 100, individual optical fibers of the stub cable 24 in the formof pigtails terminate at their respective connectors. Thepre-connectorized optical fibers or pigtails are routed from the stubcable 24 within the interior cavity 116 of the multi-port opticalconnection terminal 100 around the routing and slack storage hub 160 andare then connected to an adapter 22 of a respective connector port 124.Thereafter, a field-connectorized or pre-connectorized drop cable 16 maybe connected to the adapter 22 positioned within the connector port 124from the exterior of the multi-port optical connection terminal 100. Inthis embodiment, the drop cables 16 are routed away from the multi-portoptical connection terminal 100 generally parallel to and in the samedirection that the stub cable 24 extends away from the multi-portterminal 100, thereby forming a butt configuration terminal.

Referring now to FIG. 7, yet another alternative embodiment of amulti-port optical connection terminal 100 constructed in accordancewith the present disclosure is shown. As shown in FIG. 7, thisalternative multi-port optical connection terminal 100 comprises a base300 and a cover 104 each made of a lightweight, yet rigid material, suchas plastic, thermoplastic, composite or aluminum material. The base 300has opposed end walls 302, 304, respectively, and sidewalls 306, 308,respectively. The base 300 is further provided with an upper surface310. The upper surface 310 of the base 300 is provided with a pluralityof angled surfaces 312. Each angled surface 312 has at least oneconnector port 124 formed therethrough. Further, the base 300 isgenerally box-shaped and defines an interior cavity for housing fiberoptic hardware, such as adapters, optical fiber routing guides, fiberhubs and the like. The base 300 may have any of a variety of shapessuitable for housing fiber optic hardware and for routingpre-connectorized optical fibers of a stub cable 24, as previously shownand described. However, by way of example only, the base 300 of thisalternative embodiment is generally rectangular and is elongated in thelengthwise direction relative to the widthwise direction between theopposed end walls 302, 304.

A stub cable port 118 is disposed medially, and as shown approximatelycentrally, through the end wall 304 of the base 300 and operable forreceiving a stub cable assembly 120 comprising the stub cable 24. Thestub cable assembly 120 is inserted through the stub cable port 118 ofthe multi-port optical connection terminal 100. The end of the stubcable 24 having pre-connectorized optical fibers mounted thereon isrouted through the stub cable port 118 into the interior cavity of themulti-port optical connection terminal 100.

The cover 104 is adapted to be attached to the base 300 such that themulti-port optical connection terminal 100 is re-enterable if necessaryto reconfigure the pre-connectorized optical fibers of the stub cable 24relative to the connector ports 124. As shown, the cover 104 isgenerally rectangular and of a size slightly larger than the base 300 sothat the peripheral sides of the cover 104 overlap the correspondingedges of the base 300. The cover 104 is removably affixed to the base300 to provide ready access to the interior cavity, particularly in thefield. Specifically, the base 300 and cover 104 are preferably providedwith a fastening mechanism 154 such as, but not limited to, clasps,fasteners, threaded bolts or screws and inserts, or other conventionalmeans for securing the cover 104 to the base 300 in the closedconfiguration. However, the cover 104 may be slidably attached to thebase 300 to selectively expose portions of the interior cavity of thebase 300. Alternatively, the cover 104 may be hingedly attached to thebase 300 at one or more hinge locations (not shown) to allow the cover104 and base 300 to remain secured to one another in the openedconfiguration. A gasket, as previously shown and described, may bedisposed between a peripheral flange provided on the base 300 and theinterior of the cover 104.

Disposed on the angled surfaces 312 of the upper surface of the base 300and extending therethrough is at least one, and preferably, a pluralityof connector ports 124. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the stub cable 24passes through the stub cable port 118 and enters the multi-port opticalconnection terminal 100 adjacent the end wall 304. Within the multi-portoptical connection terminal 100, individual optical fibers of the stubcable 24 in the form of pigtails terminate at their respectiveconnectors. The pre-connectorized optical fibers or pigtails are routedfrom the stub cable 24 within the interior cavity of the multi-portoptical connection terminal 100 and are then connected to an adapter(not shown) of a respective connector port 124. Thereafter, afield-connectorized or pre-connectorized drop cable 16 may be connectedto the adapter positioned within the connector port 124 from theexterior of the multi-port optical connection terminal 100. In thisembodiment, the drop cables 16 are routed away from the multi-portoptical connection terminal 100 generally parallel to, but in theopposite direction that the stub cable 24 extends away from themulti-port terminal 100, thereby forming a through configurationterminal.

Referring now to FIG. 8, yet another alternative embodiment of amulti-port optical connection terminal 100 constructed in accordancewith the present disclosure is shown. As shown in FIG. 8, thisalternative multi-port connection terminal 100 comprises a base 400 anda cover 104 each made of a lightweight, yet rigid material, such asplastic, thermoplastic, composite or aluminum material. The base 400 isgenerally box-shaped and has opposed end walls 402, 404, respectively,and sidewalls 406, 408, respectively. The base 400 is further providedwith an upper surface 410. The upper surface 410 of the base 400 isprovided with a plurality of angled surfaces 412. Each angled surface412 has at least one connector port 124 formed therethrough.

A stub cable port 118 is disposed medially, and as shown approximatelycentrally, through the end wall 404 of the base 400 and operable forreceiving a stub cable assembly 120 comprising the stub cable 24.Similarly, a stub cable port 418 is disposed medially, and as shownapproximately centrally, through the end wall 402 of the base 400 andoperable for receiving a stub cable assembly 420 comprising the stubcable 24. The stub cable assembly 120, 420 is inserted through the stubcable port 118, 418, respectively, of the multi-port optical connectionterminal 100. The end of the stub cable 24 having pre-connectorizedoptical fibers mounted thereon is routed through the stub cable port118, 418 into the interior cavity of the multi-port optical connectionterminal 100.

The cover 104 is adapted to be attached to the base 400 such that themulti-port optical connection terminal 100 is re-enterable if necessaryto reconfigure the pre-connectorized optical fibers of the stub cable 24relative to the connector ports 124. As shown, the cover 104 isgenerally rectangular and of a size slightly larger than the base 400 sothat the peripheral sides of the cover 104 overlap the correspondingedges of the base 400. The cover 104 is removably affixed to the base400 to provide ready access to the interior cavity, particularly in thefield. Specifically, the base 400 and cover 104 are preferably providedwith a fastening mechanism 154 such as, but not limited to, clasps,fasteners, threaded bolts or screws and inserts, or other conventionalmeans for securing the cover 104 to the base 400 in the closedconfiguration. However, the cover 104 may be slidably attached to thebase 400 to selectively expose portions of the interior cavity of thebase 400. Alternatively, the cover 104 may be hingedly attached to thebase 400 at one or more hinge locations (not shown) to allow the cover104 and base 400 to remain secured to one another in the openedconfiguration. A gasket, as previously shown and described, may bedisposed between a peripheral flange provided on the base 400 and theinterior of the cover 104.

Disposed on the angled surfaces 412 of the upper surface of the base 400and extending therethrough is at least one, and preferably, a pluralityof connector ports 124. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a stub cable 24 passesthrough the stub cable port 118 and/or the stub cable port 418 andenters the multi-port optical connection terminal 100 adjacent the endwall 404, 402, respectively. Within the multi-port optical connectionterminal 100, individual optical fibers of the stub cable 24 in the formof pigtails terminate at their respective connectors. Thepre-connectorized optical fibers or pigtails are routed from the stubcable 24 within the interior cavity of the multi-port optical connectionterminal 100 and are then connected to an adapter (not shown) of arespective connector port 124. Thereafter, a field-connectorized orpre-connectorized drop cable 16 may be connected to the adapterpositioned within the connector port 124 from the exterior of themulti-port optical connection terminal 100. The inclusion of the secondstub cable assembly 420 and stub cable port 418 provides acommunications service provider with a “dual” configuration terminal forversatile installation of either a butt configuration terminal or athrough configuration terminal. By way of example, a field technicianmay install the multi-port optical connection terminal 100 prior orsubsequent to connection of the NID and drop cable 16 at the subscriberpremises. Further, the multi-port optical connection terminal 100 ofthis alternative embodiment may be used, and even retrofitted, for anydesired installation, for example an aerial closure, a buried or belowgrade closure, or an above ground pedestal. Further, a sealing mechanism(not shown), such as a rubber plug or boot, is preferably provided andis operable for sealing the unused stub cable port 118 or 418 fromenvironmental hazards, such as infestation, dirt, dust and moisture.

Referring now to FIG. 9, yet another alternative embodiment of amulti-port optical connection terminal 100 constructed in accordancewith the present disclosure is shown. As shown in FIG. 9, thisalternative embodiment of the multi-port optical connection terminal 100comprises a base 502 and a cover 504 each made of a lightweight, yetrigid material, such as plastic, thermoplastic, composite or aluminummaterial. The base 502 has opposed end walls 506, 508, respectively, andsidewalls 510, 512, respectively. The base 502 is further provided withan upper surface 514. The upper surface 514 of the base 502 is providedwith a plurality of angled surfaces 516. Each angled surface 516 has atleast one connector port 124 formed therethrough. Further, the base 502is generally box-shaped and defines an interior cavity for housing fiberoptic hardware, such as adapters, optical fiber routing guides, fiberhubs and the like. The base 502 may have any of a variety of shapes thatis suitable for housing fiber optic hardware and for routing thepre-connectorized optical fibers of a stub cable 24, as previously shownand described. However, by way of example only, the base 502 of thisalternative embodiment is generally rectangular and is elongated in thelengthwise direction relative to the widthwise direction between theopposed end walls 506, 508.

The cover 504 comprises opposed end walls 518, 520, respectively, andsidewalls 522, 524, respectively. The cover 504 is further provided witha substantially planar cover panel 526. Similar to the base 502, thecover 504 is generally box-shaped and defines an interior cavity (notshown) for housing fiber optic hardware. The cover 504 may have any of avariety of shapes that is suitable for housing fiber optic hardware andthat corresponds to the shape and size of the base 502. Moreover, thecover 504 of this alternative embodiment is generally rectangular and iselongated in the lengthwise direction relative to the widthwisedirection between the opposed end walls 518, 520.

A stub cable port 528 is disposed medially, and as shown approximatelycentrally, through the end wall 518 of the cover 504 and operable forreceiving a stub cable assembly 530 comprising the stub cable 24. Thestub cable assembly 530 is inserted through the stub cable port 528 ofthe multi-port optical connection terminal 100. The end of the stubcable 24 having pre-connectorized optical fibers mounted thereon isrouted through the stub cable port 528 into the interior cavity of themulti-port optical connection terminal 100.

The base 502 is adapted to be attached to the cover 504 such that themulti-port optical connection terminal 100 is re-enterable if necessaryto reconfigure the pre-connectorized optical fibers of the stub cable 24relative to the connector ports 124. As shown, the base 502 is generallyrectangular and of a size slightly larger than the cover 504 so that theperipheral sides of the base 502 overlap the corresponding edges of thecover 504. The base 502 is removably affixed to the cover 504 to provideready access to the interior cavity, particularly in the field.Specifically, the base 502 and cover 504 are preferably provided with afastening mechanism 532 such as, but not limited to, clasps, fasteners,threaded bolts or screws and inserts, or other conventional means forsecuring the base 502 to the cover 504 in the closed configuration.However, the base 502 may be slidably attached to the cover 504 toselectively expose portions of the interior cavity of the cover 504.Alternatively, the base 502 may be hingedly attached to the cover 504 atone or more hinge locations (not shown) to allow the base 502 and cover504 to remain secured to one another in the opened configuration. Agasket, as previously shown and described, may be disposed between aperipheral flange provided on the cover 504 and the interior of the base502.

Disposed on the angled surfaces 516 of the upper surface of the base 502and extending therethrough is at least one, and preferably, a pluralityof connector ports 124. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the stub cable 24passes through the stub cable port 528 and enters the multi-port opticalconnection terminal 100 adjacent the end wall 518. Within the multi-portoptical connection terminal 100, individual optical fibers of the stubcable 24 in the form of pigtails terminate at respective connectors. Thepre-connectorized optical fibers or pigtails are routed from the stubcable 24 within the interior cavity of the multi-port optical connectionterminal 100 and are then connected to an adapter (not shown) of arespective connector port 124. Thereafter, a field-connectorized orpre-connectorized drop cable 16 may be connected to the adapterpositioned within the connector port 124 from the exterior of themulti-port optical connection terminal 100. As stated above, theconnector ports 124 may be arranged in a variety of patterns, including,but without limitation, in a single row, in two or more rowsside-by-side or staggered, or in a random fashion. Furthermore, anynumber of connector ports 124 may be provided on the multi-port opticalconnection terminal 100. Preferably, the multi-port optical connectionterminal 100 of this embodiment is provided with 2 rows of 2 connectorports 124. Each connector port 124 is preferably provided with atethered dust cap 158 that threadably engages the corresponding adapterto thereby seal an unused connector port 124 against environmentalhazards and to protect a connectorized optical fiber of the stub cable24 seated therein when a drop cable 16 is not connected to the connectorport 124. In this embodiment, the drop cables 16 are routed away fromthe multi-port optical connection terminal 100 generally parallel to andin the same direction that the stub cable 24 extends away from themulti-port terminal 100, thereby forming a butt configuration terminal.

Referring now to FIG. 10, yet another alternative embodiment of amulti-port optical connection terminal 100 constructed in accordancewith the present disclosure is shown. As shown in FIG. 10, thisalternative embodiment of the multi-port optical connection terminal 100consists of a base 602 and a cover 604 each made of a lightweight, yetrigid material, such as plastic, thermoplastic, composite or aluminummaterial. The base 602 has opposed end walls 606, 608, respectively, andsidewalls 610, 612, respectively. The base 602 is further provided withan upper surface 614. The upper surface 614 of the base 602 is providedwith a plurality of angled surfaces 616. Each angled surface 616 has atleast one connector port 124 formed therethrough. Further, the base 602is generally box-shaped and defines an interior cavity for housing fiberoptic hardware, such as adapters, optical fiber routing guides, fiberhubs and the like. The base 602 may have any of a variety of shapes thatis suitable for housing fiber optic hardware and for routing thepre-connectorized optical fibers of the stub cable 24. However, by wayof example only, the base 602 of this alternative embodiment isgenerally rectangular and is elongated in the lengthwise directionrelative to the widthwise direction between the opposed end walls 606,608.

The cover 604 comprises opposed end walls 618, 620, respectively, andsidewalls 622, 624, respectively. The cover 604 is further provided witha substantially planar cover panel 626. Further, the cover 604 isgenerally box-shaped and defines an interior cavity for housing fiberoptic hardware. The cover 604 may have any of a variety of shapes thatis suitable for housing fiber optic hardware and that corresponds to theshape and size of the base 602. Moreover, the cover 604 of thisalternative embodiment is generally rectangular and is elongated in thelengthwise direction relative to the widthwise direction between theopposed end walls 618, 620.

A stub cable port 628 is disposed medially, and as shown approximatelycentrally, through the end wall 620 of the cover 604 and operable forreceiving a stub cable assembly 630 comprising the stub cable 24. Thestub cable assembly 630 is inserted through the stub cable port 628 ofthe multi-port optical connection terminal 100. The end of the stubcable 24 having pre-connectorized optical fibers mounted thereon isrouted through the stub cable port 628 into the interior cavity of themulti-port optical connection terminal 100.

The base 602 is adapted to be attached to the cover 604 such that themulti-port optical connection terminal 100 is re-enterable if necessaryto reconfigure the pre-connectorized optical fibers of the stub cable 24relative to the connector ports 124. As shown, the base 602 is generallyrectangular and of a size slightly larger than the cover 604 so that theperipheral sides of the base 602 overlap the corresponding edges of thecover 604. The base 602 is removably affixed to the cover 604 to provideready access to the interior cavity, particularly in the field.Specifically, the base 602 and cover 604 are preferably provided with afastening mechanism 632 such as, but not limited to, clasps, fasteners,threaded bolts or screws and inserts, or other conventional means forsecuring the base 602 to the cover 604 in the closed configuration.However, the base 602 may be slidably attached to the cover 604 toselectively expose portions of the interior cavity of the cover 604.Alternatively, the base 602 may be hingedly attached to the cover 604 atone or more hinge locations (not shown) to allow the base 602 and cover604 to remain secured to one another in the opened configuration. Agasket, as previously shown and described, may be disposed between aperipheral flange provided on the cover 604 and the interior of the base602.

Disposed on the angled surfaces 616 of the upper surface of the base 602and extending therethrough is at least one, and preferably, a pluralityof connector ports 124. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the stub cable 24passes through the stub cable port 628 and enters the multi-port opticalconnection terminal 100 adjacent the end wall 620. Within the multi-portoptical connection terminal 100, individual optical fibers of the stubcable 24 in the form of pigtails terminate at respective connectors. Thepre-connectorized optical fibers or pigtails are routed from the stubcable 24 within the interior cavity of the multi-port optical connectionterminal 100 and are then connected to an adapter (not shown) of arespective connector port 124. Thereafter, a field-connectorized orpre-connectorized drop cable 16 may be connected to the adapterpositioned within the connector port 124 from the exterior of themulti-port optical connection terminal 100. Each connector port 124 ispreferably provided with a tethered dust cap 158 that threadably engagesthe corresponding adapter to thereby seal an unused connector port 124against environmental hazards and to protect a connectorized opticalfiber of the stub cable 24 seated therein when a drop cable 16 is notconnected to the connector port 124. In this embodiment, the drop cables16 are routed away from the multi-port optical connection terminal 100generally parallel to, but in the opposite direction that the stub cable24 extends away from the multi-port terminal 100, thereby forming athrough configuration terminal.

Referring now to FIG. 11, yet another alternative embodiment of amulti-port optical connection terminal 100 constructed in accordancewith the present disclosure is shown. As shown in FIG. 11, thisalternative embodiment of the multi-port optical connection terminal 100comprises a base 702 and a cover 704 each made of a lightweight, yetrigid material, such as plastic, thermoplastic, composite or aluminummaterial. The base 702 is generally box-shaped and has opposed end walls706, 708, respectively, and sidewalls 710, 712, respectively. The base702 is further provided with an upper surface 714. The upper surface 714of the base 702 is provided with a plurality of angled surfaces 716.Each angled surface 716 has at least one connector port 124 formedtherethrough.

The cover 704 comprises opposed end walls, 718 and 720, respectively,and sidewalls, 722 and 724, respectively. The cover 704 is furtherprovided with a substantially planar rear panel 726. Further, the cover704 is generally box-shaped and defines an interior cavity for housingfiber optic hardware. The cover 704 may have any of a variety of shapesthat are suitable for housing fiber optic hardware and that correspondsto the shape and size of the base 702. Moreover, the cover 704 of thisalternative embodiment is generally rectangular and is elongated in thelengthwise direction relative to the widthwise direction between theopposed end walls 718, 720.

A stub cable port 728 is disposed medially, and as shown approximatelycentrally, through the end wall 720 of the cover 704 and operable forreceiving a stub cable assembly 730 comprising the stub cable 24.Similarly, a stub cable port 118 is disposed medially, and as shownapproximately centrally, through the end wall 718 of the cover 704 andoperable for receiving a stub cable assembly 727 comprising the stubcable 24. The stub cable assembly 730, 727 is inserted through the stubcable port 728, 118, respectively, of the multi-port optical connectionterminal 100. The end of the stub cable 24 having pre-connectorizedoptical fibers mounted thereon is routed through the stub cable port728, 118, respectively, into the interior cavity of the multi-portoptical connection terminal 100.

The base 702 is adapted to be attached to the cover 704 such that themulti-port optical connection terminal 100 is re-enterable if necessaryto reconfigure the pre-connectorized optical fibers of the stub cable 24relative to the connector ports 124. As shown, the base 702 is generallyrectangular and of a size slightly larger than the cover 704 so that theperipheral sides of the base 702 overlap the corresponding edges of thecover 704. The base 702 is removably affixed to the cover 704 to provideready access to the interior cavity, particularly in the field.Specifically, the base 702 and cover 704 are preferably provided with afastening mechanism 754 such as, but not limited to, clasps, fasteners,threaded bolts or screws and inserts, or other conventional means forsecuring the base 702 to the cover 704 in the closed configuration.However, the base 702 may be slidably attached to the cover 704 toselectively expose portions of the interior cavity of the cover 704.Alternatively, the base 702 may be hingedly attached to the cover 704 atone or more hinge locations (not shown) to allow the base 702 and cover704 to remain secured to one another in the opened configuration. Agasket, as previously shown and described, may be disposed between aperipheral flange provided on the cover 704 and the interior of the base702.

Disposed on the angled surfaces 716 of the upper surface of the base 702and extending therethrough is at least one, and preferably, a pluralityof connector ports 124. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the stub cable 24passes through the stub cable port 728, 118 and enters the multi-portoptical connection terminal 100 adjacent the end wall 720, 718,respectively. Within the multi-port optical connection terminal 100,individual optical fibers of the stub cable 24 in the form of pigtailsterminate at respective connectors. The pre-connectorized optical fibersor pigtails are routed from the stub cable 24 within the interior cavityof the multi-port optical connection terminal 100 and are then connectedto an adapter (not shown) of a respective connector port 124.Thereafter, a field-connectorized or pre-connectorized drop cable 16 maybe connected to the adapter positioned within the connector port 124from the exterior of the multi-port optical connection terminal 100. Theinclusion of the second stub cable assembly 727 and stub cable port 118provides a communications service provider with a “dual” configurationterminal for versatile installation of either a butt configurationterminal or a through configuration terminal. By way of example, a fieldtechnician may install the multi-port optical connection terminal 100prior or subsequent to connection of the NID and drop cable 16 at thesubscriber premises. Further, the multi-port optical connection terminal100 of this alternative embodiment may be used, and even retrofitted,for any desired installation, for example an aerial closure, a buried orbelow grade closure, or an above ground pedestal. Further, a sealingmechanism (not shown), such as a rubber plug or boot, is preferablyprovided and is operable for sealing the unused stub cable port 118 or728 from environmental hazards, such as infestation, dirt, dust andmoisture.

Referring now to FIG. 12, yet another embodiment of a multi-port opticalconnection terminal 100 constructed in accordance with the presentdisclosure is shown. The multi-port optical connection terminal 100 ispreferably constructed of a lightweight, yet rigid material, such asaluminum, plastic, composite or thermoplastic material. As shown, themulti-port optical connection terminal 100 generally comprises a firsthousing portion, referred to herein as a cap 802, and a second housingportion, referred to herein as a base 804. The cap and base 802, 804,respectively, are removably attached together by a fastening mechanism806, such as a screw, snap, lock-and-key, bayonet and barrel feature andother like fastening mechanism. The cap 802 is shown as a substantiallydomed configuration and defines first and second opposed ends 808, 810,respectively. The first end 808 of the cap 802 is shown fastened to oneend of the base 804. One or more connector ports 124 are provided on arelatively planar surface of the cap 802 adjacent the first end 808. Theconnector ports 124 are operable for receiving connectorized opticalfibers of the stub cable 24 from the inside of the multi-port opticalconnection terminal 100 and pre-connectorized drop cables 16 from theexterior of the multi-port terminal 100, as previously described. Thefirst housing portion 802 is shown having a shape that providesprotection to the connector ports 124 and the pre-connectorized dropcables 16 after optical connections have been established.

The base 804 comprises a generally cylindrical end 814 that transitionsinto a generally rectangular end 816 and a front panel 818. A stub cableport 118 for receiving a stub cable assembly 820 comprising a stub cable24 is disposed medially, and as shown, approximately centrally in thefront panel 818. As previously described, the stub cable 24 extendsoutwardly from the multi-port optical connection terminal 100 to amid-span access location provided on a fiber optic distribution cable12. Extending from the stub cable assembly 820 toward the interior ofthe multi-port optical connection terminal 100 are pre-connectorizedoptical fibers of the stub cable 24. The pre-connectorized opticalfibers of the stub cable 24 are connected to the one or more connectorports 124, thereby providing a branch point in the fiber optic network100 for permitting a field technician to readily interconnect one ormore drop cables 16 with the distribution cable 12 via the multi-portoptical connection terminal 100. As shown, the multi-port opticalconnection terminal 100 shown forms a through configuration terminal,however, it is envisioned and will be readily apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art that the multi-port optical connectionterminal 100 may be configured as a butt configuration terminal.

The multi-port optical connection terminal 100 shown in FIG. 12 mayfurther comprise a gasket (not shown), such as a rubber ring operablefor providing a seal between the cap 802 and the base 804. Themulti-port connection terminal 100 is shown comprising a mountingbracket 824 attached to the base 804 that is operable for securing themulti-port terminal 100 to a desired structure, such as a telephone poleor tower in an aerial location, to a buried or below grade closure, orto an above ground cabinet, network terminal or pedestal in the fiberoptic communications network 10.

Turning now to FIGS. 13-16, a multi-port connection terminal isdesignated in general by reference number 910. The multi-port connectionterminal 910 broadly defines an optical fiber cable interface orreceiving area that includes a stub cable port 918 for receiving a stubcable 924. FIGS. 13-15 particularly show exemplary methods of forming acone-shaped stress reduction area 958 to serve as a strain-relief bufferzone between the stub cable port 918 and the stub cable 924 by reducingsharp edges between these components. Many components, aspects andmaterials of this embodiment are the same or similar to the foregoingembodiments. Accordingly, only select features and components of thepresent embodiment are described below for clarity and brevity.Reference is therefore made to the foregoing embodiments to provide afull and enabling disclosure where like or similar features are notexpressly described.

With more particular reference to FIG. 13, a transition area 920 isformed by providing the multi-port connection terminal 910 with a cableenclosure 938 or attaching the cable enclosure 938 to the stub cableport 918 in a manner similar to the embodiments described above. Asshown, the stub cable 924 projects through the cable enclosure 938 inthe transition area 920 into the multi-port connection terminal 910. Inthis example, a plurality of fingers 960 (alternatively, projections,tabs or the like) depend from the cable enclosure 938 and extend along alength of the stub cable 924. The fingers 960 generally encircle thereferenced length of the stub cable 924. As will be described in greaterdetail below, the fingers 960 may be at least partially compressed aboutthe stub cable 924 to form the cone-shaped stress reduction area 958 inthe transition area 920. The stress reduction area 958 serves to reducesharp edges or ledges having abrupt angles, including up to 90 degreeangles, as briefly introduced above in order to reduce stress betweenthe stub cable 924 and the stub cable port 918. By eliminating orreducing such abrupt angles, the interface between the cable port 918and the stub cable 924 is less susceptible to sharp bending and tearingduring routine maintenance to prevent exposure of inner workings of themulti-port connection terminal 910.

Those skilled in the art of optical terminals will recognize andappreciate that the fingers 960 may be greater or fewer in number thanthe ten exemplary fingers shown in FIG. 13. Further, although thefingers 960 are each about 0.5 inches in this example and includerespective spacings 961 between each of the fingers 960, the skilledartisan will also appreciate that the number and length of the fingers960 and their respective spacings 961 may be modified and varied toaccommodate various stub cable sizes or to provide different forms ofcompression about the stub cables. For instance, the fingers 960 may bea relatively unitary compressible area having a thickness relativelyless than other portions of the cable enclosure 938. Moreover, aplurality of ridges may be molded about the cable enclosure 938 toprovide rigidity to the cable enclosure 938 to assist in retaining itsshape and to anchor the heat shrunk material 962. Accordingly, thecompressible area 960 may be compressed while the remainder of the cableenclosure 938 retains its shape under pressure.

Although the fingers 960 are unitarily injection molded with the cableenclosure 938 in this example, the skilled artisan will appreciate thatthe fingers 960 may be part of a separate finger assembly or ring thatcan be attached to a stub cable assembly such as by a snap-fit orscrew-fit arrangements. Separate attachment arrangements may beadvantageous for a technician to select a desired variation of thefinger assembly to accommodate a particular need in the field. Thus, thefingers 960 need not be unitarily formed with the stub cable assembly920.

FIG. 14 shows a quantity of heat recoverable or heatshrink material 962that may be slid over or wrapped around a portion of the stub cable 924and the cable enclosure 938. As shown in this example, the heatshrinkmaterial or covering 962 is tubular in shape and is preferably abuttedagainst an end wall 902 proximate the stub cable port 918 and alsoextends over the portion of the stub cable 924. It will be understood bythose skilled in the art that the heatshrink material 962 may be anycommercially available heatshrink material. By way of example but not oflimitation, an SRH2 brand heat shrink tube is available from CellpackElectrical Products of Villmergen, Switzerland for use as the heatshrinkmaterial 962. Some features of the SRH2 brand heat shrink tube includeits halogen-free character; its high tensile strength; its resistant tochemical agents; its UV-resistance; its cross-linked polyolefin aspect;its lead-free and cadmium-free characteristics; its operatingtemperature range of between about −40 C to about +120 C; itsflexibility to about −40 C; and its resistance to fungus and decay(ratio 1).

Turning to FIG. 15, the heatshrink material 962 is heated and shrunkabout the portion of the stub cable 924 and the cable enclosure 938thereby forming the cone-shaped stress reduction area 958 introducedabove. As shown, the stress reduction area 958 formed by the heatshrinkmaterial 962 seals and strain relieves the cable stub 924 entering andexiting the stub cable port 918. A source of hot air such as from a hairdryer may be used to heat and shrink the heatshrink material 962, butthe skilled artisan will appreciate that the heatshrink material 962 maybe pressure activated and is not limited to heating.

The present embodiment may be further understood with reference to FIG.16. For clarity, the heatshrink material 926 is not shown in FIG. 16 tomore clearly illustrate the collapsible fingers 960 compressed about thecable stub 924. As shown, each of the fingers 960 has a first orproximal end 963 and a second or distal end 965. The distal ends 965have been compressed about the cable stub 924 by the heatshrink material926 to form the cone-shaped stress reduction area 958 as in FIG. 15. Theskilled artisan will understand and appreciate that as the heatshrinkmaterial 962 shrinks or is compressed, it forces the distal ends 965toward the cable stub 924 by bending the fingers 960 at their respectiveproximal ends 963. As the fingers 960 bend, the stress reduction area958 forms to provide a gradual transition in the transition area 920extending from a relatively larger circumference or area near the stubcable port 918 to a relatively smaller circumference or area around thestub cable 924. To facilitate bending of the fingers 960, thinner areasof material or lines of weakness may be molded between the proximal ends963 and the cable enclosure 938. If desired, or required due to materialthickness, the technician may facilitate bending of the fingers orcompressible area 960 by crimping the compressible area 960 beforeinstalling the heatshrink material 962. As noted above, the number andsize of the fingers 960 may be varied and are not limited to theillustrated example. The fingers 960 may be replaced with a tubularshaped compressible component having built-in lines or areas of weaknessin its structure. Such an alternative component may itself heat andshrink about the cable stub 924 with or without the heatshrink material962.

The foregoing is a description of various embodiments of the disclosurethat are provided here by way of example only. Although the multi-portoptical connection terminal has been described with reference topresently preferred embodiments and examples thereof, other embodimentsand examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve similarresults. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within thespirit and scope of the present disclosure and are intended to becovered by the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

1. A multi-port optical connection terminal, comprising: at least oneoptical fiber cable receiving area for receiving at least one opticalfiber cable, the receiving area being sized to receive a covering madeof a heatshrink material for covering and defining a transition area;and at least one optical fiber cable transition portion disposed at thereceiving area, the optical fiber cable transition portion includingplurality of fingers depending therefrom, each of the plurality offingers having a first proximal end and a second distal end, the opticalfiber cable transition portion being responsive to and supporting thecovering such that as the covering shrinks, the distal ends of thefingers are forced toward the optical fiber cable by bending the fingersat their respective proximal ends to form a strain-relief buffer zoneassociated with at least a portion of the transition area.
 2. Theoptical device as in claim 1, wherein the fiber cable transition portionincludes a compressible area, the compressible area being configured forcompression about a portion of the optical fiber cable in the transitionarea to form the strain-relief buffer zone.
 3. The optical device as inclaim 1, wherein the covering is a material selected from the groupconsisting of a halogen-free material, a chemical resistant material, aUV-resistant material, a cross-linked polyolefin, a lead-free material,a cadmium-free material, a material having an operating temperaturerange of between about −40° C. to about +120° C., a material having ahigh tensile strength of at least about 13 MPa, a material having aflexibility to about −40° C., a fungus-resistant material, a decayresistant material and combinations thereof.
 4. The optical device as inclaim 1, wherein the buffer zone is cone-shaped in cross-section.
 5. Amulti-port optical connection terminal for interconnecting one or morefiber optic drop cables with a fiber optic distribution cable, themulti-port terminal comprising: a base and a cover attached to the base,the base and cover each having opposed first and second end walls, thebase further comprising a base panel opposite the cover and the coverfurther comprising a cover panel opposite the base to define an interiorcavity; a first stub cable port provided in one of the base and thecover through one of the first and second end walls; at least oneoptical fiber cable transition portion including a plurality of fingersdepending therefrom, each of the plurality of fingers having a firstproximal end and a second distal end, the optical fiber cable transitionportion disposed proximate the first stub cable port; a covering made ofa heatshrink material, the optical fiber cable transition portion beingconfigured to receive the covering for covering and defining atransition area proximate the first stub cable port; and a first stubcable comprising a first end received in the cable port through theoptical fiber cable transition portion and a second end configured forattachment to the distribution cable, the optical fiber cable transitionportion being responsive to and supporting the covering such that as thecovering shrinks, the distal ends of the fingers are forced toward theoptical fiber cable by bending the fingers at their respective proximalends to form a buffer zone associated with at least a portion of thetransition area.
 6. The optical device as in claim 5, wherein theoptical fiber cable transition portion includes a compressible area, thecompressible area being configured for compression about a portion ofthe first stub cable to form the buffer zone.
 7. The optical device asin claim 5, wherein the buffer zone is cone-shaped in cross-section. 8.A method of interconnecting one or more fiber optic drop cables with afiber optic distribution cable at a multi-port optical connectionterminal, the method comprising providing a multi-port opticalconnection terminal having a stub cable port; connecting a stub cableassembly including a stub cable to the stub cable port, the stub cableassembly having a plurality of fingers attached thereto, each of theplurality of fingers having a first proximal end and a second distal endand extending along a length of the stub cable; and forming a bufferzone between the stub cable port and the stub cable to strain relievethe stub cable, wherein forming the buffer zone further comprisesheatshrinking a covering about a portion of the stub cable to compressthe distal ends of the fingers about the stub cable by bending thefingers at their respective proximal ends.
 9. The method as in claim 8,wherein the stub cable assembly includes a compressible area and furtherincluding compressing the compressible area about a portion of the stubcable to form the buffer zone.
 10. The method as in claim 8, furtherincluding heat shrinking a material about a portion of the stub cable toform the buffer zone.
 11. The method as in claim 10, wherein thematerial is a covering selected from the group consisting of ahalogen-free material, a chemical resistant material, a UV-resistantmaterial, a cross-linked polyolefin, a lead-free material, acadmium-free material, a material having an operating temperature rangeof between about −40° C. to about +120° C., a material having a hightensile strength of at least about 13 MPa, a material having aflexibility to about −40° C., a fungus-resistant material, a decayresistant material and combinations thereof.
 12. The method as in claim8, wherein the buffer zone is cone-shaped in cross-section, the bufferzone angling away from about the portion of the stub cable in adirection of the stub cable port.